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Planning commission approves phased time-extension for Alchemista development
Summary
The Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a time-extension amendment for the Alchemista development that adds a four‑phase construction schedule for commercial and residential buildings.
The Sedona Planning and Zoning Commission on May 20 approved a time‑extension and amendment to the previously approved Alchemista development, allowing the project to be built in four phases and extending the timeline for construction.
The amendment authorizes phased construction of a 5,000‑square‑foot eatery (described in the record as a “metery”/coffee house), a 3,000‑square‑foot warehouse, and 15 multi‑family housing units at 2144 W. State Route 89A/40 Goodrow Lane (APN noted in the staff report). The commission’s vote was unanimous.
Staff senior planner Gary (last name not given) presented the request (case PZ250002) as a time‑extension/amendment to the 2021 approval. Gary told commissioners the applicant is proposing a phasing schedule so financing and construction can proceed incrementally. The applicant’s schedule, described in the staff presentation, shows Building 1 (the frontage building on SR 89A, including the coffee use and three residential units above) starting in July 2025 and completing by July 2027; Building 4 to follow beginning August 2027; Building 3 beginning August 2028; and Building 2 starting May 2029 and finishing later that year.
Gary said staff believes the approval criteria in the Land Development Code have been met and recommended approval, with the amendment replacing the original one‑phase condition of approval. Carrie (city planning staff) confirmed the applicant must meet the original conditions of approval except where amended to allow phasing. Sergio Gomez, representing Alchemista, explained that prior bank financing had lapsed in 2024, and the phasing approach makes the project feasible as interest rates and financing availability change.
Commissioners asked questions about the status of building permits, the need to record a first inspection to keep a permit active, the city’s practice on phased projects, and the effect of phasing on community benefits (residential units). Carrie said the project currently has an active building permit; the applicant would need to complete the first inspection by the permit expiration date or seek any required extensions. Commissioners also discussed whether individual buildings could be occupied as they are finished; staff said each building could be issued separate certificates of occupancy if site improvements (including required parking and infrastructure) are in place.
After public hearing procedures (the applicant spoke and answered financing questions), a motion to approve the time‑extension/amendment (consistent with approval criteria in LDC section 8.3 and subject to the original conditions, as amended for the phasing schedule) passed unanimously.
The commission’s action amends the condition of approval that previously required the project to be built in a single phase; all other original conditions remain in force. The approval does not change the development program (square footage and unit counts as described by staff) other than permitting the phased schedule the applicant proposed.
Commissioners and staff noted the amendment is intended to provide certainty about sequencing while preserving the other obligations from the original approval.
No appeal, administrative timeline, or council referral was recorded on the meeting record. The applicant and staff left open standard follow‑up items tied to building permits, inspections and any utility or infrastructure approvals needed before construction of each phase.
